Thanks London, it was brilliant. That's the overwhelming feeling from the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who've appreciated the 2012 Olympic Games.

And now the weary sporting elite and their coaches, trainers and other officials – some 15,000 of them are set to leave London in the next few days - 6,000 of them alone today with several thousand bags too! Europe's busiest airport, Heathrow has prepared well for the anticipated sporting exodus and created a temporary Games Terminal for the occasion set in a mock London park: complete with trees, a London double-decker bus and a red phone box.

The last few poignant pictures taken in good humour with actors dressed as soldiers and wearing Bearskins, it almost seemed like the some of the top athletes didn't want to go home they've had such a good time. American rower, Esther Lofgren won a Gold medal

So as we all look ahead to the Paralympic Games in London which take place in just under two weeks there's one last chance for the homeward bound athletes to reflect. They're being encouraged to leave farewell messages and mementoes on the special tree, to show their appreciation for the great party that Britain has thrown them. And some of those messages will be compiled into a book.